Harsh Winter Weather Creates Potholes in Indianapolis: Costly Damage Expected

April 16, 2014

With all of the cold, wet weather we’ve been having in Indiana, more and more potholes have been forming on all the roads statewide. Potholes are not only an inconvenience, but they are also expensive, causing considerable pothole car damage.

A Growing Problem

When the temperature is very cold, the surface of the road shrinks. When this happens, the weakest point of the pavement will open, crack and increase the likelihood for a pothole to form. Furthermore, pavement repairs can only be performed in warmer temperatures (above 40 degrees), and given the short freeze-thaw cycles our area has seen, it’s left little time for the city to repair the potholes.

The problem is growing, economically speaking. ABC 10 News reports that potholes’ car damage is causing approximately $5 billion in annual repair costs for drivers.

Potholes:

• cause tire damage;
• throw vehicles out of alignment; and
• increase the risk of accidents as vehicles try to dodge them.

Reimbursement for Damages

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has already spent $500,000 more in 2014 than it has in previous years to repair potholes, reports ABC 10 News. Naturally, the repair work is slow, and many people are filing claims with the state asking it to cover potholes’ car damage. In the first two months of the year, 650 people had already filed a claim with the INDOT, more than the state had received in all of 2013.

If your car sustained damage as a result of potholes or other road issues, you can file a tort claim with the INDOT. If the damages are significant or if they caused an injury accident, you’ll want to find a good attorney for your car accident claim.

Injury Attorney in Indianapolis

If you or someone you love was in an accident caused by potholes, we invite you to contact our legal team at the Hensley Legal Group. We can discuss your case with you and determine all your possible forms of compensation.

Call to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at 888-505-8232.